Absa InspireMe 2026 highlights opportunities for women-led business growth

Absa Bank Ghana Ltd recently hosted the InspireME 2026 conference, uniting women entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals to discuss business growth, innovation, and sustainable development. The event, themed "She Rises. She Expands. She Conquers," emphasized the potential of women-led businesses and aimed to inspire participants through various discussions and practical sessions.

Key topics explored at the conference included access to finance, business capacity, innovation, leadership, market opportunities, and long-term sustainability. The Managing Director of Absa Bank Ghana Ltd, Dr Edward Nartey Botchway, emphasized that financial resources alone are insufficient for business growth; one must possess the ability to scale the business.

He advised participants to manage their finances wisely, separate personal income from business revenue, maintain accurate records, assemble a competent team, and monitor cash flows.

Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, encouraged women entrepreneurs to challenge the limitations imposed by the current size of their businesses. She urged them to set ambitious goals, identify one strategic decision to enhance their business, expand their market reach, or prepare for future growth, and take action.

The conference also shed light on the significance of financial literacy, digital skills, business management, market intelligence, branding, technology adoption, and market access as essential elements driving business expansion.

Attendees at the InspireME 2026 conference comprised women entrepreneurs, SME owners, corporate executives, professionals, emerging women leaders, women-led startups, investors, financial partners, government officials, and industry stakeholders from Ghana and across Africa. Absa Bank Ghana Ltd's InspireME serves as the flagship event of their Women Banking Proposition, fostering networking, knowledge exchange, and opportunities for personal, professional, and business growth among women.